How Long Expect to Go without Dialysis with Diabetes, Stage 2 CKD

2012-12-20 16:21

Q: I am newly diagnosed with stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Also, I have lived with diabetes for more than 20 years. My doctor told me that my kidney problem is due to diabetes. I am wondering how long I can expect to go without dialysis. Now I live an active life and am on a healthy diet.

A: There is no a fast answer to your question as it relies on many variables. However, you can definitely keep dialysis off for a few years. Here are some tips which can help you delay the onset of dialysis.

Treatment

Diabetic kidney disease can be divided into five stages. In the first and second stages, the kidney structure only changes slightly. If proper treatment is adopted in time, the kidney damage can be reversed. Immunotherapy is an alternative therapy for people with diabetes kidney disease. This therapy can reverse kidney damage and stop progression of the condition. Thereby, it can help you avoid Dialysis completely.

Diet

You do a very good job. A healthy diet plays a vital role in delaying the progression of diabetes Kidney Disease. The diet you choose not only should help control your blood sugar, but also should help protect your kidneys. You should limit the consumption of sugar and carbohydrate. Meanwhile, a kidney friendly diet should restrict potassium, phosphorus, sodium and protein in an effort to keep the kidneys going on their own as long as possible. While it is a difficult to follow, you can find it worth the trouble.

Control blood sugar

You should keep your blood sugar level in an acceptable range. In addition, the hemoglobin A1c should be kept under 6.5% and kidney function tests should be performed at least once a year. Meanwhile, certain high blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs can protect the kidneys. Usually, the patients with diabetes are recommended to take the medications even if they have normal blood pressure.

Quit bad habits

Smoking can accelerate the progression of diabetes kidney disease. Therefore, you should quit smoking. Losing weight and taking proper exercise can help slow the progression of kidney disease.

If you can follow the above tips, it can help you delay the onset of dialysis and even help you avoid it completely.